Push button starting system module for outdoor power equipment

ABSTRACT

A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/307,934, filed on Jun. 18, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/953,860 filed Jul.30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,763,579, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/450,528, filed Apr. 19, 2012, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,516,985 which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/622,101, filed on Nov. 19, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No.8,171,907, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/862,991, filed on Aug. 7, 2013, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a starting system for aninternal combustion engine. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to a push button starting system for the internal combustionengine of a piece of outdoor power equipment, such as a lawn tractor,walk behind mower, pressure washer, portable electric generator, snowblower or the like. The push button starting system requires both thepresence of an enable device, such as a key fob, and depression of astart button to begin operation of the internal combustion engine.

Currently available outdoor power equipment, such as lawn tractors, walkbehind mowers and the like, include an internal combustion engine thatprovides both the motive force for the power equipment and the requiredpower to rotate a cutting blade. Typically, the internal combustionengine of the power equipment, such as a lawn tractor, is started byinserting a key into an ignition switch. Once the key is inserted intothe ignition switch, the key is turned to crank the internal combustionengine. Typically, the key remains in the cranking position until theengine turns over and begins running. Once the engine has started, theoperator releases the key from the cranking position and the enginecontinues operation.

Although an ignition switch and key have been a successful way to startthe internal combustion engine of a lawn tractor for many years,drawbacks exist for inexperienced users who may not feel comfortablewith the procedures required to start the internal combustion engine. Asan example, many inexperienced users are unclear as to how long theengine needs to crank when the engine is initially slow to start.

In addition to the drawbacks set forth above, lawn tractors that includean ignition switch and key may allow the operator to turn the keypartially toward the cranking position. In this intermediate, auxiliaryposition, electric power from the vehicle battery is supplied to theelectronics load of the lawn tractor, such as the headlights and otherelectrical components contained on the lawn tractor. The use of theauxiliary position is particularly beneficial when the operator does notwant to start the engine but simply wants to operate the electricalcomponents contained on the tractor. Although the auxiliary position isbeneficial, if the ignition key is left in the auxiliary position for anextended period of time, the electric load will eventually drain thebattery of the lawn tractor, thus rendering the lawn tractor inoperablewithout either replacing or recharging the battery.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides a push button starting system foroutdoor power equipment, such as but not limited to a starting systemfor an internal combustion engine of a lawn tractor. The push buttonstarting system requires both the presence of an enable device anddepression of a start button to begin operation of the outdoor powerequipment. The push button starting system of the present disclosureincludes a self-contained starting module having internal circuitry thatcontrols operation of many components of the lawn tractor, including thestarting of the internal combustion engine of the lawn tractor. Theinternal circuitry in the starting module initiates operation of theinternal combustion engine of the lawn tractor by closing the contactsof a starter solenoid relay to crank the engine.

A start button is integrated into the starting module and generates astart signal sensed by the internal circuitry of the starting modulewhen the start button is in the activated position and an enable deviceis present. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the start button is apush button that is activated by depressing and holding the push button.The control circuit receives the start signal during the entire time thestart button is in the activated state and the enable device remainspresent and detected.

When the control circuit of the starting module receives the startsignal, the starting module awakens from a sleep mode and checks todetermine the presence of an enable device. If the enable device is notpresent, the control circuit returns to the sleeping mode.

If the control circuit determines that the enable device is present andthe start signal is being generated, the control circuit energizes aload relay which provides electric power to the electric load of thelawn tractor. After the load relay is energized, an auxiliary periodtimer starts. The starting module provides electric power to theelectric load of the lawn tractor for only an auxiliary period. In oneembodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary period is two minutes. Inthis manner, the operator can power the electric load of the lawntractor by depressing and releasing the start button.

The control circuit in the starting module then determines if the startsignal was received for greater than a minimum engagement period. If thestart signal was received for less than the minimum engagement period,the starting module continues the auxiliary period timer and monitorsfor an additional depression of the start button. If the start button isnot depressed again, the control circuit eventually de-energizes theload relay after the expiration of the auxiliary period. The auxiliaryperiod timer could alternatively be reset upon a brief depression of thestart button for less than the minimum engagement period to extend theon time for the electric loads of the lawn tractor, which would allowthe operator to keep the headlights on without the engine running.

If the start signal is present for greater than the minimum engagementperiod and the enable device is present, the starting module closes thecontacts of a starter solenoid relay which initiates operation of theinternal combustion engine. Once the internal combustion engine hasstarted, the starting module can detect subsequent depression of thestart button. When the start button is depressed while the engine isrunning, an ignition shorting circuit is actuated to interrupt operationof the internal combustion engine. In one embodiment of the disclosure,the ignition shorting circuit could be a relay having contacts that areeither opened or closed to interrupt operation of the internalcombustion engine.

In the push button starting system of the present disclosure, theelectric load and starter solenoid are operated only when the enabledevice is present. If the enable device is removed, the starting moduleprevents activation of the internal combustion engine. In this manner,the push button starting module of the present disclosure requires theenable device to be present and depression of the start button beforethe operation of the internal combustion engine is initiated.

The starting module can include at least three different types ofcontrol circuit in accordance with the present disclosure. In the firstembodiment, the control circuit includes a microprocessor. In the secondembodiment, the control circuit includes analog circuits. In a thirdembodiment, the control circuit includes a discrete digital logiccircuit. In each case, the control circuit is self-contained in ahousing of the starting module such that the starting module can simplyreplace a key-switch module of the lawn tractor.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will bemade apparent from the following description taken together with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carryingout the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lawn tractor including the push buttonstarting system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a magnified view of the dashboard of the lawn tractorincluding the push button starting system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an electronic schematic illustration of the push buttonstarting system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a prior art key-switch module;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a startingmodule in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a startingmodule in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a view showing the removal of an enable device from thestarting module;

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the analog control circuit included inthe starting module;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the analog power circuit included in thestarting module;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating one possible sequence of operationof the push-button starting system of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another possible sequence ofoperation of the analog push-button starting system of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is directed to a starting system for an internalcombustion engine of outdoor power equipment, such as but not limited toa lawn tractor, walk-behind mower, pressure washer, portable electricgenerator, snow blower or other similar type of equipment. The drawingsfigures depict the use of the starting system with one type ofequipment, namely a lawn tractor. However, it should be understood thatthe starting system could be utilized with other types of outdoor powerequipment while falling within the scope of the disclosure and theclaims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a riding lawn tractor 10 that typically includes amowing assembly 11 mounted beneath a vehicle chassis 12 supported byfour wheels 14. The lawn tractor 10 includes an internal combustionengine (not shown) that powers both the rear drive wheels and a mowerblade contained within the mowing assembly 11. A steering wheel 16allows an operator positioned in the seat 18 to control the movement ofthe lawn tractor 10, as is conventional. The details of the lawn tractor10 shown in FIG. 1 are meant for illustrative purposes only since thelawn tractor 10 could have various different operator controls andphysical configurations while falling within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 generally illustrates the dashboard 20 visible to the operatorwhen the operator is in the seated position. The dashboard 20 includesthe steering wheel 16, a speed selection handle 22, an enable devicereceptacle 24, a start button 26 and a display panel 28. Although theseoperating components are shown included on the dashboard 20, it shouldbe understood that various other components could be utilized whileoperating within the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the enable device receptacle 24 receives anenable device 30. The enable device 30 can be removed from the enabledevice receptacle 24 and carried with the operator when the lawn tractoris not in use. Removal of the enable device 30 from the enable devicereceptacle 24 will render the tractor inoperative, as will be describedbelow. In contemplated embodiments of the disclosure, the enable device30 could be any component that is received and detected by the enabledevice receptacle 24, such as a key fob received in a key fobreceptacle. Likewise, the enable device receptacle 24 could be any typeof receptacle that is capable of detecting the presence of the enabledevice 30. As an example, the enable device receptacle 24 could be asimple switch that moves from one position to another upon receipt ofthe enable device 30. Alternatively, the enable device 30 could includea magnetic section and the enable device receptacle 24 would detect thepresence of the magnetic section. Various other alternate embodimentsare contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure,one of which is described below.

The display panel 28 is surrounded by six individual data entry buttons32 that can be selectively depressed by the operator to provide input tothe controller (not shown) used to operate the lawn tractor. As anexample, information can be presented on the display panel 28 and theoperator can depress one or more of the entry buttons 32 to provideinputs to the tractor controller.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the start button 26 is part of astarting module 27 that is received in a receptacle 29 formed in thedashboard 20. The starting module 27 is designed to replace a standardkey-switch typically included in the dashboard 20.

The start button 26 is a push button having a visual indicator 34. Thevisual indicator 34 can be one of several different components, but inthe illustrated embodiment the visual indicator 34 is an LED activatedby a controller in the starting module 27 to indicate depression of thestart button 26, as will be described in greater detail below. In theembodiment illustrated, the start button 26 is a push button that can bedepressed and held in an activated position by the operator. The startbutton 26 is designed to allow the operator to initiate operation of theinternal combustion engine of the lawn tractor upon depressing andholding the start button 26.

FIG. 3 illustrates the electronic components and the configuration forthe starting system 36 of the present disclosure. As indicatedpreviously, the starting system 36 is included in the starting moduleand includes a controller 38. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, thecontroller 38 is a microcontroller, such as and 8-bit 89LPC936,available from NXP Semiconductors. However, it is contemplated thatother types of controllers could be utilized while operating within thescope of the present disclosure.

The controller 38 includes a power input pin 40 that is connected to thestart button 26. The start button 26 is a normally open switch that isconnected between ground 42 and a transistor 44. When the normally openstart button 26 is activated, the start button 26 provides a path fromthe base of transistor 44 to ground. The ground connection provides astart signal to the controller 38 at the start button input pin 46. Thestart signal is provided at start button input pin 46 as long as thenormally open start button 26 remains in its closed, depressedcondition. The controller 38 monitors the duration of time the startsignal is provided on the start button input pin 46, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

The controller 38 is further connected to the enable device circuit 24.As indicated above, the enable device circuit 24 could be a normallyclosed switch. During the normally closed condition, the enable devicecircuit 24 provides a connection from the enable device input pin 48 toground 42. When the enable device for the lawn tractor is present, thenormally closed enable device circuit 24 opens, which is sensed by thecontroller 38 through the enable device input pin 48.

The controller 38 includes a load output pin 56 that is coupled to aload relay 58 through a transistor 60. The load relay 58 includesnormally open load relay contacts 62 connected between the 12-volt powersupply 64 and the electrical load for the tractor present along outputline 66. When the controller 38 desires to energize the electrical loadfor the lawn tractor, the controller 38 generates a signal along theload output pin 56. If the enable device is in the enable devicereceptacle 24, the signal present at the load output pin 56 activatesthe transistor 60, which in turn closes the normally open load relaycontacts 62. However, if the enable device is not present, the enabledevice circuit 24 provides a path to ground 42 from the base oftransistor 60. Thus, the controller 38 can only close the load relaycontacts 62 when the enable device is detected by the circuit 24.

The controller further includes a starter solenoid output pin 68 that isconnected to a starter solenoid relay 70 through a transistor 72. Onceagain, if the enable device is not present, the base of the transistor72 is connected to ground and the controller 38 cannot close thenormally open starter solenoid relay contacts 74. However, if the enabledevice is present, the controller 38 can close the normally open startersolenoid relay contacts 74 to provide power to the starter solenoidalong output line 76.

The controller 38 includes an ignition short output pin 84 that isconnected to an ignition shorting circuit, which is shown by relay 86through a transistor 88. Although the ignition shorting circuit is shownin the drawing Figures as a relay 86, other types of circuits could beutilized while operating within the scope of the present disclosure.Once again, when the enable device is not present, the base oftransistor 88 is grounded through the enable device circuit 24. However,when the enable device is present, an output signal at the ignitionshort output 84 activates the ignition shorting circuit, which causesthe normally closed ignition short relay contacts 90 to move to an openposition. When the ignition short relay contacts are in an openposition, operation of the internal combustion engine is allowed, andwhen closed, engine operation is terminated.

FIG. 4 illustrates a conventional key-switch module 150 that is usedwith lawn tractors. The key-switch module 150 includes a conventionalplug 152 having a series of pre-designated connectors 154. The plug 152and connectors 154 allow the key-switch module 150 to be inserted intothe lawn tractor during assembly. As illustrated in FIG. 4, thekey-switch module 150 includes a key-switch 156 that can be positionedbetween multiple positions each illustrated by a graphic symbol. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, the key-switch 156 can be positioned betweena stop position 158, an auxiliary lighting position 160, an enginecranking position 162 and an operating position 164. The key-switchmodule 150 is a conventional component that is included in many ridinglawn mowers which are prewired to accept the plug 152 and connector 154.

During normal use of the key-switch module 150, an operator twists thekey-switch 156 to the cranking position 162 to crank the engine untilthe engine starts. Once the engine starts, the key-switch 156 isreleased and springs back to a running position. If the operator wishesto stop the engine, the key-switch 156 must be twisted to the stopposition 158. In an embodiment that includes a light switch built intothe key-switch module 150, the operator can move the key-switch 156 tothe light position to activate the lights of the tractor.

In addition to the key-switch module 150 shown in FIG. 4, the lawn mowercan also a key-switch module 150 that includes a reverse mow (RMO)disabler that allows the user to operate the lawn tractor or otherdevice in reverse when the mower blades or other implements are turnedon. When the engine is running, the operator can move the key-switch tothe RMO position, which overrides the system. Although this type of RMOswitch is not shown on the key-switch module 150 in FIG. 4, the startingsystem of the present disclosure has been designed to accommodate bothkey-switch modules that include a lighting position 160 or an RMOswitch.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of a starting module 27constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The startingmodule 27 is designed to replace the key-switch module 150 shown in FIG.4. The starting module 27 includes a plug 166 and a series of connectors168. The plug 166 and connectors 168 are configured to match thoseincluded on the key-switch module 150 shown in FIG. 4 such that thestarting module 27 can simply replace the key-switch module 150 in thedashboard of the lawn tractor.

The starting module 27 includes an outer housing 170 that encloses theinternal operating components of the starting module. A locking tab 172is included on the outer housing 170 to lock the starting module inposition on the dashboard. The starting module 27 includes a push button174 that can be depressed by a user as described previously with respectto the first embodiment of the starting system. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, the push button 174 is surrounded by a removableenable device 176, the details of which will be discussed in greaterdetail below. The starting module 27 shown in FIG. 5 includes anadditional auxiliary button 178 that is accessible to the user throughthe enable device 176. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliarybutton 178 activates the lights of the lawn tractor when depressed.Indicator 180 provides a visual indication to the user as to thefunction of the auxiliary button 178.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the starting module 27. Thestarting module 27 shown in FIG. 6 includes many of the same componentsas shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 and such components are labeledwith corresponding reference numerals. In the embodiment shown in FIG.6, the auxiliary button 178 is designed to function as an RMO overrideswitch, which is indicated by the indicator 182. The starting module 27shown in FIG. 6 includes a similar plug 166 and connectors 168 thatallow the entire module 27 to fit into the existing key-switch slot onthe dashboard of a lawn tractor or similar device (e.g., Delta SystemKey-switch Slot 6900-47P). In each embodiment, the starting moduleincludes the push button 174 that, when the starting module is insertedinto the slot in the dashboard, is visible and accessible to a user. Thestarting module includes the plug 166 and connectors 168 for connectionto a standard wire hardness connector (e.g., Delta System Key-switchConnector 972311) which connects to the conventional key-switch wireharness on the lawn tractor or other device. In this way, the startingmodule shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can easily replace the existing key-switchmodule 150 shown in FIG. 4. It is contemplated that the connectorcontained on either of the starting modules could be configured to becompatible with various different types of proprietary connectorscontained within a lawn tractor and that the shape of the housing andthe entire module could be changed depending upon the dash mountreceptacle.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the enable device 176 that isincorporated into the starting module 27 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. It is contemplated that the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 isone type of an enable device that could be utilized within the scope ofthe present disclosure. Other types of enable devices 176 that arelocated separate from the starting module 27 are contemplated as beingwithin the scope of the present disclosure. As an example, the enabledevice could be an RF module that would be sensed by a sensor on thelawn tractor. The RF module could be in the operator's pocket or carriedwith the operator and the presence sensed by the tractor. Alternatively,the enable device could be another type of sensor on the lawn tractorthat would detect the physical presence of the operator. In yet anothercontemplated embodiment, the enable device could be an operator input,such as a password, PIN code or some other element that would be uniqueto the operator.

The removal of the enable device 176 from the starting module 27 in theembodiment shown, or removal of the enable device from a detection areain the other contemplated embodiments, automatically shuts down thesystem when the engine is running and prohibits the starting system fromworking when the enable device is not present. In the embodiment shownin FIG. 7, the enable device 176 is integrated into the starting module27. The enable device 176 includes a ring-like body 184 that is receivedupon a top surface 186 of the starting module 27. The center opening 188surrounds the push button 174 such that the push button 174 isaccessible when the enable device 176 is received on the starting module27. In the embodiment illustrated, the enable device 176 includes one ormore magnets 189 that interact with corresponding magnets 191 formedwithin the housing of the starting module 27. When the enable device 176is received on the housing, as is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the magnets189 in the enable device body 184 hold the enable device on the housingand close a set of contacts within the housing. The closed set ofcontacts provides an indication that the enable device 176 is in place.

When the enable device 176 is removed, the magnetically held contactsopen and the system can determine that the enable device is no longerpresent, which prevents the initial operation of the internal combustionengine or shuts down the internal combustion engine if the engine isrunning. Although various different types of enable devices could beutilized, it is contemplated that utilizing an enable device 176including internal magnets allows the system to be substantiallywaterproof, which is desirable for electronic-components that may beexposed to elements such a rain and snow. It is contemplated thatalthough the magnetic enable device 176 is shown as part of the startingmodule one embodiment, the magnetic enable device 176 is not necessaryfor the integrated starting module of the present disclosure. Further,it is contemplated that other types of enable devices or some other typeof mechanical system may also be utilized as an enable device. However,the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 allows the enable device to be integratedinto the starting module such that the entire starting module can beused in place of the key-switch module 150 shown in FIG. 4.

It is contemplated that the starting module 27 constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure could include three different types ofinternal circuitry to control the activation of the internal combustionengine upon depression of the push button switch. In one embodiment, thecontrol circuit contained within the housing could include themicroprocessor based controller 38 shown in FIG. 3. Such a system couldinclude the control and operating circuitry on a first control boardwhile the power components could be included on a second board.Alternatively, both the control components and power components could bemounted to a single board contained within the housing of the startmodule.

In a second, alternate embodiment, the starting module 27 could beconfigured to utilize an analog circuit as the control circuit, whichwould also be housed within the outer housing 170 of the start module.Analog circuitry will reduce the cost of the starting module yet providethe same general functionality as a microprocessor-based startingsystem. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment of the analog circuitthat could be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. FIGS.8 and 9 show the analog circuit split between two circuit boards, namelya start signal board (FIG. 8) that includes the components required forsignal processing and a power board shown in FIG. 9. The analog controlcircuit shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is meant for illustrative purposes onlyand is not meant to illustrate one of the various different types ofconfigurations that could be utilized while operating within the scopeof the present disclosure.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the RMO push button switch 178 isillustrated. However, it is contemplated that this switch could beeliminated from the components shown.

While FIGS. 8 and 9 show the analog control circuit split between twocircuit boards, it is possible for the circuit to be present on a singlecircuit board. Additionally, the high current components shown in FIG. 9could be placed on a hard (e.g., FR 4) circuit board, while the lowcurrent components could be placed on a separate, flexible circuit board(e.g., flex circuit) to better utilize space within the starting module.In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, no specializedcontroller is required to be included within the starting module for thepush button starting system to function.

In a third, alternate embodiment not shown, the control circuitcontained within the starting module could be configured to includediscrete digital logic circuits that are designed to carry out the samefunctions as the microprocessor based control circuit and the analogcontrol circuit. In such an embodiment, the discrete digital logiccircuit would be comprised of discrete digital logic components such asAND gates, OR gates, transistors, resistors and similar components thatallow the discrete digital logic circuits to carry out similar functionsto those described above.

The microprocessor based control circuit schematic of FIG. 3 is oneembodiment of the present disclosure. However, it is contemplated thatother microprocessor based embodiments could be utilized while operatingwithin the scope of the present disclosure. The actual operation of thecontroller shown in FIG. 3 will now be described with reference to FIG.10.

Since the controller 38 shown in FIG. 3 is operated from the 12-voltpower supply 64, it is desirable that the controller 38 remains in a“sleeping” mode during periods of non-use. It is particularly desirablethat the controller 38 remain in a sleeping mode even when the enabledevice is present, since it is contemplated that many operators of thelawn tractor will allow the enable device to remain on or near the lawntractor at all times.

As indicated in step 92, the controller 38 remains in the sleep modeuntil the controller 38 senses the depression of the start button 26, asindicated in step 94. When the controller 38 receives the start signalat the start button input pin 46, the controller 38 awakens andinitially determines whether the enable device is present or withinsensing range, as illustrated in step 96. If the controller determinesin step 96 that the enable device is not present, the controller returnsto the sleep mode without ever activating the electric load for the lawntractor. In this manner, activation of the electric load requires boththe depression of the start button 26 and the presence of the enabledevice.

If the controller determines in step 96 that the enable device ispresent, the controller energizes the load relay 58 in step 98. To doso, the controller generates a high signal on the load output pin 56,which in turn activates the transistor 60 and moves the normally openload relay contacts 62 to the closed condition. Activation of theelectric load allows the operator to use the tractor headlights, viewthe display and operate any other electric components of the tractor.

After the load relay has been powered in step 98, the system moves tostep 99 to determine whether a 12-volt signal is present at an inputpin. If the 12-volt signal is present, the presence of the 12-voltsignal indicates that the starting module is the “lights” version shownin FIG. 5. If the 12-volt signal is not present, the system determinesthat the starting module is the “RMO” version. In this manner, theinternal circuitry can determine the type of the module, which allowsone push button module to cover both the RMO and lights version of thestarting module.

After the electric load for the tractor has been energized, thecontroller starts the auxiliary period timer in step 100. After theauxiliary period timer is started, the controller determines in step 102whether the start button 26 has been depressed for longer than a minimumengagement period. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, thecontroller 38 will not start the internal combustion engine unless thestart button is depressed for longer than the minimum engagement period.As an example, the minimum engagement period could be 0.5 seconds,although other time periods are contemplated. The use of a minimumengagement period prevents inadvertent depression of the start buttonfrom beginning operation of the internal combustion engine. However, itis contemplated that the minimum engagement period should have aduration sufficiently small to prevent the operator from having to holdthe start button in the depressed condition for an undesirably longperiod of time.

If the controller determines in step 102 that the start button wasdepressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controllercontinues to count down the auxiliary period timer. The auxiliary periodtimer allows the controller to set an auxiliary period during which theelectric load is supplied with electric power from the lawn tractorbattery. In this manner, if the operator depresses the start button fora very brief period of time when the enable device is present, thecontroller 38 provides electric power to the electric load of thetractor for the auxiliary period. In the currently preferred embodiment,the auxiliary period is approximately two minutes, although otherperiods of time are contemplated as being within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In step 104, the controller 38 determines whether the two minuteauxiliary period has expired. If the auxiliary period has not expired,the timer continues to count until the auxiliary period has expired.Once the auxiliary period has expired, the controller de-energizes theload relay contacts 62, as illustrated in step 106. When the load relaycontacts are de-energized and opened, electric power is interrupted tothe electric load. After the electric power to the load is interrupted,the controller returns to the sleep mode, as illustrated in step 92. Inthis manner, the controller 38 provides electric power to the electricload, including the light for the lawn tractor, for the auxiliary periodafter the start button has been activated for less than the minimumengagement period. Thus, if the operator desires to operate the electricload of the tractor without actually initiating the engine operation,the operator can depress the start button 26 for less than the 0.5second minimum engagement period.

If the controller determines in step 102 that the start button wasdepressed for longer than the minimum engagement period, the controllerthen generates a signal to the starter solenoid relay 70, as illustratedin step 110. The signal to the starter solenoid relay 70 causes thenormally open starter solenoid relay contacts 74 to close, thusproviding electrical power to the starter solenoid along output line 76.The output signal is supplied to the starter solenoid until the enginebegins operation. In step 112, the controller determines whether theengine has started. If the engine has not started, the controllerdetermines in step 114 whether the cranking period has been exceeded orwhether the start button has been released. As an example, thecontroller 38 will provide an output signal to the starter solenoid onlyfor a maximum cranking period, such as 20 seconds, or until the userreleases the start button. If the engine does not begin operation duringthis cranking period, the system returns to monitoring the start buttonand the auxiliary period timer in step 102.

If the controller determines in step 112 that the engine has started,the controller 38 terminates the signal to the starter solenoid relaycontacts, which opens the contacts and allows the internal combustionengine to run in a normal manner, as illustrated in step 116. Duringoperation of the internal combustion engine, the controller 38 continuesto monitor for whether the start button has been depressed, as indicatedin step 118. During normal operation of the internal combustion engine,if the start button 26 is depressed, this indicates that the operatorwishes to stop operation of the internal combustion engine. When thestart button is depressed in step 118, the controller 38 activates theignition shorting circuit, which in the embodiment shown includes relaycontacts 90, as illustrated in step 120. When the ignition short relaycontacts 90 are closed, operation of the internal combustion engine isinterrupted.

As can be understood by the above description, the presence of theenable device opens a connection to ground. If the enable device isremoved, the removal of the enable device overrides the controller 38and prevents the controller 38 from changing the condition of the loadrelay contacts 62, the starter solenoid relay contacts 74 and theignition short relay contacts 90. In this manner, the enable device isan override for the controller 38. Thus, the enable device must bepresent for the controller to initiate activation of the internalcombustion engine.

FIG. 11 illustrates the operating steps performed by the analog controlcircuit that is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The method steps for the analogcircuit shown in FIG. 11 are similar to the method steps for themicroprocessor based circuit shown in FIG. 10. Initially, the systemdetects an initial brief depression of the start button, which will“wake” the electrical components of the lawn tractor which will power upthe system and energize a load relay. The system will initiallydetermine in step 192 whether the enable device is present. If theenable device is not present, the system will return to the “sleep”mode.

However, if the enable device is sensed in step 192, the system willmove to step 194 and provide power to a load relay. Activation of theelectric load relay allows the operator to use the tractor headlights,view the display, and operate any other electrical components of thetractor.

After the load relay has been powered in step 194, the system moves tostep 196 to determine whether a 12-volt signal is present at an inputpin. If the 12-volt signal is present, the presence of the 12-voltsignal indicates that the starting module is the “lights” version shownin FIG. 5. If the 12-volt signal is not present, the system determinesin step 200 that the starting module is the “RMO” version. In thismanner, the internal circuitry can determine the type of the module,which allows one push button module to cover both the RMO and lightsversion of the starting module.

After making this determination, the system determines in step 202whether the engine is currently running. If the engine is running, thesystem activates an LED in step 204 to provide such an indication.However, if the engine is not running, the system moves to step 206 andstarts an auxiliary period timer.

After the auxiliary period timer is started in step 206, the systemdetermines in step 208 whether the start button has been depressed forlonger than a minimum engagement period. In one embodiment, the circuitwill not start the internal combustion engine unless the start button isdepressed for longer than the minimum engagement period. As an example,the minimum engagement period could be 0.5 seconds, although other timeperiods are contemplated. The use of a minimum engagement periodprevents inadvertent depression of the start button from beginningoperation of the internal combustion engine. However, it is contemplatedthat the minimum engagement period should have a duration sufficientlysmall to prevent the operator from having to hold the start button inthe depressed condition for an undesirably long period of time.

If the control circuit determines in step 208 that the start button wasdepressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the systemcontinues to count down the auxiliary period timer. During the auxiliaryperiod, the control circuit continues to monitor for depression of thestart button. If the start button is depressed again for less than theminimum engagement period, the control circuit could either keep theauxiliary timer running or could reset the auxiliary period time afterthe start button is released to extend the time the electric load isactivated. The auxiliary period timer allows the control system to setan auxiliary period during which the electric load is supplied withelectric power from the lawn tractor battery. In this manner, if theoperator depresses the start button for a very brief period of time whenthe enable device is present, the system provides electric power to theelectric load of the tractor for the auxiliary period. In the currentlypreferred embodiment, the auxiliary period is approximately two minutes,although other periods of time are contemplated as being within thescope of the present disclosure. In step 210, the system determineswhether the two minute auxiliary period has expired. If the auxiliaryperiod has not expired, the timer continues to count until the auxiliaryperiod does expire. In an alternate embodiment, the auxiliary periodtimer could be reset after a short press of the start button to extendthe time the electric load is active. Once the auxiliary period hasexpired, the controller de-energizes the load relay contacts and turnsoff the system, as shown in step 212.

If the system determines in step 208 that the start button was depressedfor greater than the minimal period, the controller generates a signalto the starter solenoid relay as shown in step 214. The output signal issupplied to the starter solenoid until the engine begins operation. Oncethe engine starts, the system again determines that the engine isrunning in step 202 and moves to step 216. In an embodiment in which thestarting module includes the auxiliary button designated for an RMOswitch, the system determines whether the RMO switch is activated. Ifthe RMO switch is not activated, the system moves to step 218 todetermine whether the start button is again depressed. If the startbutton is depressed when the engine is running, the system moves to step220 and shuts down the engine.

If the system determines in step 216 that the reverse switch isactivated, the system determines in step 222 whether the PTO is engaged.If the PTO is not engaged, the engine continues to operate as normal.

If the PTO is engaged, as determined in step 222, the system determinesin step 224 whether the RMO switch has been activated. If the RMO switchhas been activated, an LED is lit in step 226 and the engine continuesto operate. However, if the RMO switch has not been activated, theengine is shut down in step 228.

In an embodiment in which the starting module includes the auxiliarybutton designated as a lights switch, the system can determine whetherthe lights switch is activated in a step similar to step 216. If thelights switch if activated, the system will turn on the headlights.Subsequent depression of the lights switch will then turn off theheadlights and the light switch will function as a toggle switch to turnon and off the headlights.

As described in the description above, the control circuit, whethermicroprocessor based or analog, is contained within the outer housing ofthe starting module along with the start button. The entire startingmodule is self-contained and can replace the key-switch module typicallyused with a lawn tractor. The starting module is the same general shapeand connectors as a key-switch module to facilitate easy replacement.The start button can be used instead of a key switch to start theinternal combustion engine. The control circuit contained in thestarting module detects the presence of an enable device, which may bereceived on the starting module itself. The starting module of thepresent disclosure allows for easy installation and possibleretrofitting of lawn tractors that include key-switch modules.

Although various contacts are described in the present disclosure asbeing in a normally open or normally closed condition, it iscontemplated that various other configurations could be utilized whileoperating within the scope of the present disclosure.

We claim:
 1. A self-contained push button starting module for use instarting an internal combustion engine of a lawn tractor, comprising: anouter housing; a connection plug having a plurality of connectors forreceipt within the lawn tractor; a manually activated start buttonextending from the outer housing, wherein the start button generates astart signal upon activation; an enable device; and control circuitcontained within the outer housing and in operative communication withthe start button, wherein the control circuit receives the start signalfrom the start button and detects the presence or absence of the enabledevice, wherein the control circuit activates a starter for the internalcombustion engine only upon detection of the presence of the enabledevice and receipt of the start signal.
 2. The starting module of claim1 wherein the start signal is continuously generated during continuousactivation of the start button and the control circuit activates thestarter only when the control circuit receives the start signal forlonger than a minimum engagement period.
 3. The starting module of claim1 further comprising an ignition shorting circuit coupled to the controlcircuit, wherein the controller activates the ignition shorting circuitto interrupt operation of the engine upon receipt of the start signalwhen the engine is running.
 4. The starting module of claim 1 whereinthe enable device is selectively positionable relative to the outerhousing.
 5. The starting module of claim 4 wherein the enable device isreceived and retained on the outer housing by a magnetic force.
 6. Thestarting module of claim 5 wherein the enable device includes at leastone magnet and the control circuit senses the presence of the at leastone magnet to determine the presence of the enable device.
 7. Thestarting module of claim 1 wherein the control circuit is an analogcircuit.
 8. The starting module of claim 1 wherein the control circuitincludes a microprocessor.
 9. The starting module of claim 1 wherein thecontrol circuit includes discrete digital logic components.
 10. A methodof automatically starting an engine of a lawn tractor, comprising thesteps of: providing a self-contained starting module having an outerhousing, a manually activated start button and a control circuitcontained within the outer housing; determining in the control circuitwhether an enable device is present; upon detecting the presence of theenable device, monitoring for the activation of the start button; andgenerating a starting signal from the control circuit to start theengine when the start button is activated and the enable device isdetected.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:continuously attempting to start the engine after detection of the startbutton activation; monitoring for operation of the engine; and stoppingthe generation of the start signal upon detecting no operation of theengine.
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:determining in the controller whether the self-contained starting moduleincludes a reverse mow override (RMO) button; and preventing thegeneration of the start signal based upon the position of the RMO buttonand a power takeoff switch of the lawn tractor.
 13. The method of claim10 further comprising the step of interrupting the operation of theengine upon activation of the start button after the engine is started.14. The method of claim 10 wherein power is supplied to an electric loadof the lawn tractor when the start button is activated for less than aminimum engagement period.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein thecontrol circuit is an analog circuit.
 16. The method of claim 10 whereinthe control circuit includes a microprocessor.
 17. The method of claim10 wherein the control circuit includes discrete digital logiccomponents.
 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:determining in the controller whether the self-contained starting moduleincludes a lights button; and activating the lights of the lawn tractorupon depression of the lights button.
 19. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising the steps of: determining in the controller whether theself-contained starting module includes an auxiliary button; determiningin the controller whether the auxiliary button is wired for either anRMO function or a lights function; and controlling operation of the lawntractor based on the function of the auxiliary button.